Along with hundreds of concerned parents, many teachers, and interested citizens, I attended the recent townwide meeting on school security. Joining me were numerous colleagues on the RTM and fellow members of its Public Health and Safety Committee.

I applaud the leadership of the Town of Fairfield and the PTA for the initiative taken to provide a forum for this important discussion of the many strategies being implemented to ensure the security of our schools and the safety of our children, educators, and administrative staff. As Police Chief Gary MacNamara made clear, collaboration between parents, students, educators, administrators, law enforcement, and the community is critical for the proactive measures needed to ensure that the town of Fairfield never experiences the loss suffered by our friends and neighbors in nearby Newtown.

In the wake of a tragedy that hit so close to home in so many ways, both literally and figuratively, we are indeed fortunate to have such an engaged PTA, concerned parents, dedicated teachers, active citizens, committed leadership, and most importantly, such capable and competent members of law enforcement to assure the collaboration that is so critical to the ongoing security of our schools.

Again, I applaud the joint efforts of all who organized and participated in the important discussion that took place. I commend Chief MacNamara for his strong leadership and the Fairfield Police Department for all of its efforts in keeping our schools and children safe.